NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The Jews replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?”
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 2:20 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?”
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
“What!” they exclaimed. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and you can rebuild it in three days?”
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
They were indignant: "It took forty-six years to build this Temple, and you're going to rebuild it in three days?"
20 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
The Jews then said, 'It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?'
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
20 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 2:20?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 2:20 in 6 translations: New International Version, King James Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation, The Message, New American Standard Bible. Each uses a different translation philosophy — from word-for-word (KJV, ESV, NASB) to thought-for-thought (NIV, NLT) to paraphrase (MSG).
Which translation of John 2:20 is best?
No single translation is "best" — it depends on your purpose. For deep study, use the ESV or NASB (word-for-word). For devotional reading, the NIV balances accuracy and readability. The NLT and MSG are excellent for understanding the general meaning in modern English. Comparing multiple translations helps grasp the full richness of the text.
What is the difference between literal and dynamic Bible translations?
Literal (formal equivalence) translations like KJV, ESV, and NASB translate word-for-word from the original Hebrew/Greek. Dynamic equivalence translations like NIV and NLT translate thought-for-thought for clarity. The MSG is a paraphrase that captures the spirit in contemporary language. Each approach has strengths — that's why comparing translations is valuable.